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What Is Osteopathy and What Do We Treat?

 

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of conditions.  It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.  Osteopathy was built on the belief that the body functions as a connected whole and that its structure and movement play an important role in overall wellbeing.

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Osteopaths use touch, cranial techniques, articulation, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms and overall wellbeing. Treatment is tailored to the individual, taking into account posture, lifestyle, and everyday physical demands.  They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

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Who and what do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sportspeople. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including;

  • back and neck pain,

  • changes to posture in pregnancy,

  • postural problems caused by work strain,

  • the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.  

  • general ache and tension,

  • reduced mobility

  • to support their ability to stay active. 

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Regulation 

All UK osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), ensuring high standards of safety, training, and professionalism.

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What to expect from your visit to an Osteopath

At Willow Osteopathy, we begin with an initial consultation, where we take a thorough case history.  This ensures that it’s safe for you to have treatment, and we begin to determine a group of possible diagnoses for your symptoms. We then carry out a full body examination to support our diagnosis. We’ll talk you through what we’ve found, and will propose a plan of action. If you’re happy with what we’ve explained, we continue with some treatment, exercises and lifestyle advice.

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Got further questions about osteopathy?

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